Are Sports Betting Legal in the United States?
In the U.S., betting is legal in many states such as New Jersey, Michigan, Illinois, and Colorado, where specific laws regulate how it operates. Even so, some jurisdictions still keep certain restrictions in place. If you’re looking for the quick answer: yes, sports betting is legal—just not everywhere in the country.
Since 2018, sports betting in the U.S. has undergone a major transformation after PASPA was struck down, returning regulatory authority to each individual state. That decision opened the door to a wide range of state-by-state rules that continue to expand every year, making it essential to understand how today’s market is evolving.
That’s why I want to help you break it all down in a clear and simple way. If you’ve ever wondered are sports bets legal in the United States? this is the perfect place to get answers. I’ll walk you through how the regulations work, which states allow betting, and why there are so many differences from one place to another.
Is Betting Legal in the United States?
What’s the Legal Status of Sports Betting in the U.S.?
Yes—betting is legal across a large part of the United States, but it depends entirely on the state you’re in. After PASPA was repealed in 2018, the federal government handed the decision back to the states, creating a patchwork of regulations that vary widely from one jurisdiction to another.
By mid-2025, 39 states plus Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico had already legalized some form of sports betting. This means that most Americans can legally place bets—whether online or at retail locations—so long as they comply with local regulations.
However, states don’t all operate under the same model. Some allow mobile betting through apps, others require wagers to be placed in physical casinos, and several—especially those operating under tribal agreements—use exclusive systems with significant geographic restrictions.
Where Is Sports Betting Legal in the U.S.?
Most states have now established regulations for both in-person and online sports betting. Places like New Jersey, Michigan, Colorado, Arizona, and Illinois provide broad, competitive markets with numerous approved apps and brick-and-mortar sportsbooks.
On the other hand, some states do allow betting, but with limitations. Mississippi or Washington, for example, only permit wagers inside physical casinos or through apps tied to approved tribal networks—meaning players have far less mobility.
States Where Sports Betting Is Still Illegal in 2025
U.S. Regions Where Sports Betting Is Still Not Allowed in 2025
Despite the massive growth of the industry, some states continue to maintain strict bans. In places like Utah or Hawaii, cultural and legislative opposition has blocked any attempt at legalization, keeping them entirely free of sports betting.
Other states, such as California or Texas, haven’t passed laws yet—not due to lack of interest. They’ve seen multiple legislative proposals, public debates, and even active ballot initiatives. Still, political disputes and conflicts involving tribal groups have significantly slowed the process.
Table: U.S. States Where Sports Betting Is Legal and Illegal (2025)
The landscape of sports betting in the U.S. keeps expanding, and more states join the market every year. If you want to get ahead and bet with reliable information, now’s the perfect time. Would you like to discover the best betting sites at BetBrothers?
